Blast will host Milwaukee Wave in home opener

Outlook: The Blast opened defense of its Major Indoor Soccer League championship with a sound 19-8 win at Rochester last Saturday. Next up is its longtime rival Milwaukee Wave, which came from behind to defeat Missouri, 23-21, in its league opener last weekend. Against the Lancers, the Blast scored five goals in the final five minutes of the first half to pull away with Marco Mangione scoring three goals to lead the way. A balanced offense was key in the Blast's championship run last season and was again in the opener as six others also scored. Goalie William Vanzela was sturdy in goal with 13 saves. The Blast's defense, led by veterans Mike Lookingland and Pat Healey, will get a significant test against the Wave, which came back from a 15-7 third-quarter deficit to beat Missouri on the road. The Wave's Ian Bennett scored his fifth goal in overtime to seal the win. Goalie Nick Vorberg is the glue in back for the Wave, which also leans on midfielders Giuliano Oliviero and Jonathan Greenfield.